Tropical Storm Hermine: Are You Ready? Girl Scouts Are!

Less than a month after devastating flooding in Baton Rouge, Hermine is making its way to the East Coast, and you guessed it—we’re prepared. Girl Scouts at the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low have been busy battening down the hatches, making sure they have everything they need to weather the storm. From closing the shutters and towel-lining the doors, to moving items up off the floor where they could get wet, we’re ready to ride it out.

And while we hope the storm isn’t as bad as predicted, we know how important it is to be ready for the worst. Here are some tips that can help keep you and your loved ones safe and calm when dangerous weather looms:

Check your supplies before a storm is expected to hit. Make sure you have everything you need (water, food, batteries, flashlights, etc.), and stock up on anything that’s missing. Make sure to include a few of your kids’ favorite nonperishable snacks, like granola bars and fruit snacks.

Check the yard! Loose branches, bicycles, and lawn furniture can easily be picked up in heavy winds. Tie them down or move them indoors to keep your neighborhood safe.

Make a plan and make sure everyone in your household knows it by heart. This should include a safe meeting place in case you have to evacuate quickly and family members become separated. Find out what your community is doing in the event of an evacuation so you know where to go.

Ride it out! Stay indoors and use this as an opportunity for quality family time. Bring out the board games, share silly stories, and get creative with art supplies. Smaller children might be nervous or frightened by the storm (especially if they see or hear hyped-up news coverage), so try to keep things as normal—and as fun—as you can.

We're 2.5 million strong—more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Since 1912, we’ve built girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.